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Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
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Factor H-related protein 1 (FHR-1) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Sarah Irmscher1,2, Svante L H Zipfel3, Luke D Halder1

  • 1Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany.

Scientific Reports
|November 19, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Factor H-related protein 1 (FHR-1) accelerates inflammation and worsens atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Lower FHR-1 levels may protect against ACVD, a leading cause of death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is a major global health concern, driven by lipid accumulation and inflammation in arteries.
  • The complement system plays a role in ACVD pathogenesis, but specific protein contributions require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of complement factor H-related protein 1 (FHR-1) in the development and progression of ACVD.
  • To determine if FHR-1 levels correlate with ACVD presence and severity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of FHR-1 gene deletion in ACVD patient cohorts.
  • Isolation and characterization of FHR-1 from human plasma, including its presence on extracellular vesicles and atherosclerotic plaques.
  • In vitro studies assessing FHR-1's effect on monocyte and neutrophil inflammatory responses.
  • Measurement of plasma FHR-1 concentrations and correlation with ACVD, inflammation markers, and lipid profiles.

Main Results:

  • Homozygous deletion of the CFHR1 gene showed a protective effect in ACVD patients.
  • FHR-1 was found in atherosclerotic plaques and on extracellular vesicles, promoting pro-inflammatory cytokine and tissue factor expression.
  • Elevated plasma FHR-1 levels were significantly associated with ACVD, inflammation markers (CRP, Apo-SA, neopterin), and LDL cholesterol.

Conclusions:

  • FHR-1 is implicated in the inflammatory processes underlying ACVD.
  • Increased FHR-1 levels are associated with ACVD and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.

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